Finding the right concrete contractor for your project can be a challenge. There are several things to take into consideration as you read through any contract. Below are ten tips for picking the right concrete contractor for your job.

1. Verify the contractor is licensed and insured.

2. Check with your local or state agency regarding the contractor’s license or registration number.

3. Be sure that any concrete contractor you’re considering has adequate liability insurance coverage, as well as workers’ compensation insurance coverage, if applicable, and request copies of the certificates of insurance before you hire him or her.

4. Get at least three references from each concrete contractor on your list and contact them to ask about their experience working with the contractor in question.

5. Ask each reference if the concrete project was completed on time and within budget, and whether they were satisfied with the workmanship and professionalism of the contractor and his or her crew.

6. Consult with local business owners whose buildings contain decorative concrete elements, such as stamped concrete patios, stained flooring, etc., to find out which contractors installed their decorative elements, when they were installed, and if they would hire the same contractor again if given a choice.

Check references. If you are having a driveway or patio poured, start by asking friends and neighbors for referrals, then check the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List. For interior floors, Polished Concrete Contractors LLC is an industry organization that provides a database of contractors by region. A concrete contractor should follow the recommendations of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), which has established standards for measuring and evaluating concrete quality.

Get at least three bids from different contractors. In addition to comparing prices, ask about their experience with concrete, which should include at least three years of hands-on work and a minimum of five years of overall construction experience. Ask to see photos or videos of similar projects they’ve completed.

Ask questions to ensure they can handle your job. Make sure they know how to set up grade beams and footings, pour foundations and use the right reinforcing steel for your project (epoxy-coated rebar will be more expensive). Do they have any certifications? Many states require that concrete contractors be licensed, bonded and insured; you can find out what requirements apply in your state at the National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies.

Make sure they’re solvent. Ask to see proof that the contractor has workers’ compensation insurance

Are you thinking about hiring a concrete contractor for your next project? Whether you’re building a new house or just enhancing your existing property, hiring the right concrete contractor is essential to ensuring that the job is done correctly.

Here are just some of the things you should consider when hiring a concrete contractor:

How much experience does the contractor have?

How long has he been in business?

Does he have references from past customers that you can talk to?

What kind of reputation does he have? Can you find any reviews online?

Is his business license current?

Does he carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance?

Is he willing to provide proof of insurance?

Does he handle all aspects of the work or is he going to be subcontracting out some of it? If so, who will be doing the work and what kind of experience do they have?

Is the estimate in writing or only verbal? Do they provide a free estimate and how long is it good for? When will they need payment and in what form do they accept it (i.e., cash, check, etc.)?

Once you’ve hired your concrete contractor, here are some tips on how to ensure everything goes according to plan:

1. Ask your friends, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations.

2. Search the internet for concrete contractors in your area.

3. Choose a contractor who has been in business for at least 10 years.

4. Select from companies that have been approved by the Better Business Bureau and have a good rating with them.

5. Look at their workmanship record with the local building department by requesting inspection reports for their concrete projects in your area.

6. Check references from past customers to make sure they were happy with the work performed by the contractor you are considering hiring for your project.

7. Get estimates from at least three companies and make sure they are bidding on the exact same project specifications so you can fairly compare them on price and quality of materials used in their estimates.

8. Make sure the concrete contractors you talk to are fully insured and come to your home and give you a written estimate before any work begins on your project.

9. Make sure that all estimates meet or exceed local building code standards in your area including any special requirements of your homeowners association if applicable to your location and project plans.

10. Hire a licensed contractor whose bid is within 15% of other estimates you have received, has an excellent track record

1. Find a contractor who is a member of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC). Check with the ASCC to make sure they are in good standing.

2. Check out their references. Ask for references from current and past customers and give them a call. See if they are happy with the work performed and would recommend this contractor to others.

3. Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured and bonded. Ask for copies of these documents and check with your state’s licensing board to make sure they are current.

4. Get multiple bids from contractors and make sure you get each bid in writing. Be sure that each bid includes details about your project so you can compare bids apples-to-apples. Also, make sure that each bid includes details about workmanship guarantees, cost of materials, time frame, start date and end date for the project and payment terms as well as other important information you need to know before hiring a concrete contractor.

5. Before signing a contract or paying anything upfront, ask to see examples of the contractor’s work (photos or video if possible) so you can be confident they have done quality work in the past that is similar to what you want done at your home or business

1. Get references

2. Check with the Better Business Bureau

3. Ask to see the concrete contractor’s license

4. Ask for proof of insurance

5. Find out who will be doing the actual work

6. Visit a job site

7. Ask what kind of warranty they offer

8. Ask about their clean-up practices

9. Be sure there is a written contract

10. Read and understand the contract

1. Shop around. Concrete contractors can differ in their prices, so do your research before settling on one. Search for concrete contractors in your area and talk to at least three of them to find the best deal. You can also search online or through your local telephone directory to find local concrete contractors.

2. Ask for referrals. If you know someone who has had concrete work done, ask them which contractor they used and how the project turned out. You may also want to look at some of the contractor’s work to see if it matches what you want done on your property.

3. Get bids in writing and include everything in the contract. When you receive a bid from a contractor, make sure it includes all costs and fees, such as permits, equipment rental, preparation of the area and clean up fees. Get everything in writing so that when you compare bids from other contractors there is no confusion about what you are comparing.

4. Make sure permits are included and paid for by the contractor. Most cities have a permit process for construction projects like concrete installation or repair; make sure that any required permits are paid for by your contractor and included in your bid for the project; otherwise you will be required to pay for them yourself before work can begin on your